Fire Marshal Urges Holiday Fire Safety

As Illinois residents decorate their homes and gather with family and friends for the holidays, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding the public to keep fire safety in mind throughout the season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), holiday decorations can pose serious fire risks if not used properly. More than one-third of home decoration fires are started by candles, and over two out of every five occur when decorations are placed too close to a heat source. Nationwide, fire departments respond to an estimated 832 home structure fires each year that begin with decorations, not including Christmas trees. Between 2019 and 2023, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 145 Christmas tree fires annually.

To reduce the risk of fire, the OSFM and its fire safety partners encourage residents to use flame-retardant or flame-resistant decorations and to keep lit candles at least 12 inches away from decorations or other combustible items. Children and pets should be kept away from open flames, and all candles should be extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed.

Officials also stress the importance of electrical safety. Residents should ensure holiday lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use as appropriate, replace any strands with worn or broken cords, and follow manufacturer recommendations on how many strings can be connected together. All lights and decorations should be turned off before leaving home or going to sleep.

For those with real Christmas trees, the Fire Marshal’s Office advises checking water levels daily and keeping trees away from heat sources, which can cause them to dry out quickly and become more flammable.

Last year, 12 lives were lost in fire-related incidents in Illinois during the holiday season. Fire officials say taking simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure a safe and joyful holiday for everyone.